Laser Array Image Correction for Curved Surface Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording on curved surfaces, such as cylindrical shapes, often results in distortion due to the tilted recording surface relative to the laser irradiation direction, causing stretched image dots and widened pitches, which are not correctable with existing methods using multiple laser optical elements without laser light deflection scanning.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus employing a fiber array recording device with adjustable laser irradiation periods and times based on the incident angle of the laser light to the recording surface, allowing for distortion correction in the sub-scanning direction and data conversion to address main-scanning direction distortions, thereby ensuring accurate image recording on curved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser light is irradiated onto a curved surface without deflection scanning, then recording speed is improved, but image distortion occurs due to tilted recording surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser irradiation system into multiple independently controllable laser optical elements arranged in an array. Each laser element can be controlled separately to compensate for distortion on curved surfaces, allowing high-speed recording without deflection scanning while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different irradiation conditions to different regions of the recording surface by controlling each laser optical element independently. This allows local compensation for the tilted recording surface angles on curved objects, correcting image distortion while maintaining overall high-speed recording capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single laser light emitting element is used with galvano mirror deflection, then image distortion is corrected, but recording speed decreases due to mechanical scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deflection scanning system (galvano mirror) with a stationary array of multiple laser optical elements. This eliminates mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to address different positions on the recording target, thereby achieving high-speed recording without distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic array of laser optical elements where individual elements can be activated or deactivated based on the recording requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to curved surfaces and tilted angles without mechanical movement, maintaining both speed and precision.
3Productivity
If multiple laser optical elements are used without deflection scanning, then recording speed is improved, but image distortion cannot be corrected on curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser irradiation function across multiple optical elements, each capable of independent control. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high-speed recording while applying local corrections for image distortion on curved surfaces through selective activation and parameter adjustment of individual elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively suppresses image distortion on curved surfaces by adjusting laser irradiation conditions and converting image data according to the surface shape, ensuring high-quality image recording without the need for stopping the recording target conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
a laser irradiation device provided with a plurality of laser output sections arranged side by side in a certain direction and irradiating positions different from one another in the certain direction with laser light output from the laser output sections, and irradiating a recording target moving relatively to the laser irradiation device in a direction different from the certain direction with laser light, thereby heating the recording target to record a visible image on the recording target
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image recording apparatus (100) includes: a laser irradiation device (14) including a plurality of laser output sections (42a) arranged side by side in a certain direction (Z) and configured to irradiate positions different from one another in the certain direction (Z) with laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections (42a), the image recording apparatus (100) being configured to irradiate a recording target (C) moving relatively to the laser irradiation device in a relative movement direction (X) different from the certain direction (Z), with laser light to heat the recording target (C), and record a visible image on the recording target (C); and an image correction unit (18) configured to adjust an irradiation condition of the laser light output from the plurality of laser output sections (42a) and correct distortion of an image recorded on a recording surface of the recording target (C) based on a shape of the recording surface.